Short-term credentials face a new federal test
Workforce Pell offers aid for some short-term programs, but strict tests for length, completion, employment and earnings are limiting early eligibility.
National
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Tennessee research foundation sues Anthropic over AI patents
A University of Tennessee foundation filed a Delaware patent case against Anthropic, alleging its AI systems use neuroscience-inspired neural-network technology.
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SBA Proposes Evidence-Based Test for 8(a) Eligibility
The SBA wants individually owned 8(a) applicants to prove group-based discrimination and material harm. The proposal is not final and would not directly affect current participants.
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CPSC provisionally accepts $16.875 million treadmill penalty
Johnson Health Tech Trading agreed to a provisionally accepted CPSC penalty after 874 malfunction reports, including 71 injury reports tied to recalled T101-05 treadmills.
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EPA Audit Finds More Than $1 Billion in Water Earmarks Unawarded
A July EPA inspector general audit found about 44% of fiscal 2022 and 2023 water earmarks remained unawarded by September 2025, citing staffing and oversight gaps.
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Federal officials investigate about 75 CDL schools over alleged fraud
DOT and Homeland Security are investigating about 75 CDL schools over alleged false records and improper certifications. Here is what applicants should know.
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Federal drought update puts nearly half of Lower 48 in drought
A July 30 federal update found drought across 47.89% of the Lower 48, with worsening conditions in parts of the Northern Plains and Upper Midwest.
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FTC sues Hims & Hers over alleged health-data sharing
The FTC and two state partners allege Hims & Hers shared health-related data with advertising platforms despite privacy assurances. The case is pending.
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New federal school-prayer guidance sets October 1 district deadline
The Education Department’s February guidance protects private religious expression but bars school-sponsored prayer as districts prepare for annual certifications.
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Federal student aid is shifting toward Treasury. What borrowers should know
A three-phase Education-Treasury agreement targets defaulted-loan collections first, while staffing cuts and new repayment rules raise accountability questions.
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Judge Limits Use of Grant Clause After Policy Priorities Change
A Boston judge barred one administration strategy for ending federal grants, but canceled awards may not return and a broader OMB proposal remains pending.
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Medicaid work rules move to state systems. What enrollees should watch
The Medicaid work rule is effective, but states will decide how to verify hours, exemptions and notices before most systems must be ready by Jan. 1.
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Home prices hit a record as sales slow, keeping mortgage affordability under pressure
June home sales fell as prices reached a record and mortgage rates rose to 6.66%, giving buyers more listings but leaving monthly borrowing costs high.
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Federal child-care oversight shifts toward verified attendance
A nationwide HHS review is examining state child-care enrollment, attendance and billing controls as a new rule gives states more payment flexibility.
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Senators Demand Answers Over CFPB Complaint Portal Changes
Senators are pressing the CFPB over new verification rules and credit-reporting requirements that add steps for consumers seeking help with financial problems.
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Wisconsin Judge Rules Paper Absentee Ballots Violate Rights of Some Disabled Voters
A Wisconsin judge found the paper absentee system denies some disabled voters a private, independent vote, but did not order electronic ballots yet.
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IRS warns tax preparers that cyberattacks can delay taxpayer refunds
An IRS summer campaign urges tax professionals to strengthen security as stolen credentials and client data can lead to fraudulent filings and refund delays.
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FDA food-safety alerts cover eggs, lettuce and frozen berries
Three separate FDA investigations involve recalled eggs, iceberg lettuce and GreenWise frozen berries. Here are the product codes, states and safety steps.
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Senate panel advances Blanche nomination after DOJ drops $1.8B fund
The Senate Judiciary Committee advanced Todd Blanche’s attorney general nomination after DOJ said its proposed $1.8 billion fund would not proceed.
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USDOT Adds $24 Million to Washington Union Station Overhaul Plan
The July 24 funding shifts Washington Union Station toward private financing as repairs, concourse work and a new expansion plan move through federal review.
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FTC Ticket-Limit Case Puts Online Scalping Tactics Under Scrutiny
The FTC’s Elite Events case targets alleged ticket-limit circumvention, but it does not cap resale prices, remove fees or guarantee fans primary-market access.
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Copyright Office opens next round of DMCA exemption requests
Authors, educators, libraries and researchers can seek temporary DMCA exemptions, but new and renewal petitions are due August 24, 2026.